Granzyme K–expressing CD8 T cells in rheumatoid arthritis joints
Official title: Determining the Pathogenic Roles of Granzyme K+ CD8 T Cells Unexpectedly Expanded in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovium and Other Diseased Tissues
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11380025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A five-year study will explore how granzyme K–producing CD8 T cells behave in inflamed joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis and what that means for disease progression and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $389,991 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR086239-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380025 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with rheumatoid arthritis or similar autoimmune diseases where granzyme K–expressing CD8 T cells are present may be eligible for future related studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without rheumatoid arthritis or related autoimmune conditions may not benefit directly from this specific research.
What this research studies
In people with rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed joint tissues contain many CD8 T cells that don’t act like typical cytotoxic cells. Researchers will study the unique granzyme K–expressing CD8 T cells to see what signals they produce and how they affect surrounding cells in the joint. The team will use mouse models, cell-based experiments, and tissue analysis to uncover how these cells contribute to disease and whether they could be targeted by new therapies. The goal is to map the dominant functions of these cells to inform future treatments for autoimmune arthritis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis by specifically targeting granzyme K–expressing CD8 T cells.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has identified granzyme K–expressing cells in various diseases, suggesting potential relevance but confirmation in autoimmune arthritis is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jonsson, Anna Helena — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Jonsson, Anna Helena
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.